Over Sandy Yonders: The Best Day Trips from Phuket

Nestled in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of mainland Thailand, Phuket is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. Being the largest island in the country that is only slightly smaller than Singapore, Phuket continues to attract tourists and travelers, gaining its hard-earned reputation as a top-of-the-line tropical tourist attraction in Southern Thailand.

Have you been wanting a change of scenery from the bustling city of Bangkok? Let Phuket's white sands and turquoise waters warm you up. From the stunning Patong Beach to the charming Old Phuket Town, many places in Phuket offer a ton of things to see and behold.

Let's say you’re finished exploring the island and you're just itching to see what lies beyond. Even if you're short on time, you can still find all the best places like Koh Samui, Naka Island, and the coast of Krabi province that make an ideal all-day tour on the road. So buckle up as here are some day trips to explore from Phuket to make it to your Thailand road trip itinerary.

Itinerary: Similan Islands

Distance and travel time from Phuket: 74 miles (roughly 2 hours)

Best time to visit: December to early January

If you're looking for a tropical getaway that's not as busy as Phuket, Similan Islands might just do the trick. From the northwest of Phuket, you can catch a 2-hour ferry ride that will take you to the archipelago. Here is where your day trip to the Similan Islands begins. Spot some of the most fantastic diving spots like the Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai Island, Elephant Head Rock, and Christmas Point that would make any snorkeler or diver giddy.

After spending some time under the sun, you may stop to get some food at Koh Similan. One of the main islands, here is where you can feast alongside monitor lizards just peacefully roaming the shore. You may also spot crab-eating monkeys, squirrels, and exotic birds hanging around the island. End your day by going on a swim, basking under the sun, or taking a short trekking route along the island's stunning viewpoints.

Itinerary: Ton Prai Waterfall–Khao Sok National Park

Distance and travel time from Phuket: 97.8 miles (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Best time to visit: December to April

Are you looking for an ideal day tour that doesn't involve hitting the beaches? Spend the day on a jungle safari adorned with limestone cliffs and amazing aquarium-blue waterfalls at the Khao Sok National Park, just roughly three hours away via car from Phuket. With a long drive ahead, you can first stop at Ton Prai Waterfall in Thai Mueang for some mild jungle trekking to get your blood flowing for the main event. Then after a rather tedious hike, you can cool down in the refreshing waters of the falls.

Heading to Khao Sok National Park, you'll be greeted by lush rainforests surrounding the incredibly massive Cheow Larn Lake infamous for its floating bungalows that visitors can stay in. Getting around the lake would require a boat trip to let you navigate the park's hidden gems at your own pace. Go kayaking, canoeing, or just dip your toes in the emerald waters. If you have spare time, you can book a caving tour or interact with Asian elephants which are typically the highlight of guided tours in Khao Sok.

Itinerary: Ao Tansai Pier–Tonsai Village–Bamboo Island–Maya Bay

Distance and travel time from Phuket: 24.6 miles (1-2 hours)

Best time to visit: November to April

Going back to the island experience, you wouldn't want to miss out on exploring the captivating island of Phi Phi. The travel time from Phuket to Phi Phi via ferry is usually between an hour and two hours, depending on the season. The ferry will land at Ao Tonsai Pier in Koh Phi Phi Don, the island's main pier. The pier is already a standalone tourist attraction, leveraging the rows of nearby markets, local shops, and restaurants. Continue until you reach the heart of Phi Phi, Tonsai Village, which undeniably doubles the action from the pier. The local tattoo art is notable on the island, so you might want to get a little remembrance of your trip before returning home.

When you're ready to head out to explore beyond the island via speedboat, Bamboo Island should be your first stop, which is just five kilometers off the northern coast of the island. Snorkel in clear waters teeming with majestic coral formations and diverse marine life, or go on a scenic stroll along the island's lush vegetation of bamboo trees and other abundant foliage. Wrapping up the day, enjoy your trip to Maya Bay, famed for "The Beach" film, and embark on an exciting adventure to the Viking Caves to marvel at the paintings of ancient Scandinavian Viking ships said to be inscribed by pirates and Vikings a long time ago.

Itinerary: Samet Nangshe Viewpoint–Phang Nga Bay–Koh Panak–Khao Phing Kan

Distance and travel time from Phuket: 43.2 miles (1 hour and 10 minutes)

Best time to visit: November to April

If you haven't had enough of looking at big bodies of water, then let Phang Nga Bay be your itinerary. Compared to Phi Phi Island, which appeals more to tourists wanting to feel the sun on their faces, Phang Nga Bay is perfect for people looking forward to seeing some natural wonders. About an hour's drive from Phuket, you can begin your adventure by going to the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, a scenic spot on a hilltop overlooking the whole bay. In the distance, the infamous limestone karsts can already be seen, a sneak peek of an exhilarating adventure.

When you reach the bay, you can book a kayak or a canoe to paddle your way on sparkling waters with a guide. Explore through mangrove ecosystems and mysterious stalactite-filled caves of Koh Panak, or take in the cinematic allure of Khao Phing Kan, notably known as the James Bond Island, a 20-meter tall limestone rock featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun".

Not sure how to start planning for your trip past one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand? Let's get you sorted.

• Know your travel options. Renting a car in Thailand will help you get around Phuket and other areas if you don't already own a set of wheels. Check with local car insurance providers to have your vehicle ready to breeze through Thai roads.
• Obtain an IDP. As a foreigner, getting a travel driving permit for Thailand will make it easier for you to drive Thai roads, especially when you're thinking of planning a road trip around Phuket.
• Understanding Thai roads. It's crucial to be acquainted with local traffic laws and rules when driving in Thailand such as driving on the left side of the road and remembering the different road and traffic signs.
• Bring your must-bring road trip essentials. Pack important documents, emergency supplies, comfortable clothing, snacks, entertainment, toiletries, and any necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable road trip.
• Work out your schedule. Plan your day trip activities strategically by understanding your group's preferences on what they like to do and places they want to visit. Consider traveling during the off-season to avoid long wait times at popular attractions.

Behold Phuket, one of Thailand's bustling tropical tourist hubs thanks to its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse culture. While time in Phuket is certainly a day well spent, there is an entirely new world awaiting discovery beyond the island, brimming with more beaches and natural wonders.

Venturing to nearby islands off the coast of Phuket like Similan Islands and Phi Phi Island is definitely worth the trip, offering the absolute best day for any intrepid explorer. Don't think of holding back—contact IDA now to get your hands on an IDP for hassle-free driving in Thailand.

• Does traveling to Thailand require a visa? Yes! But that is if you're considering extending your stay in the country for up to 14 days, 30 days, or 90 days, depending on your home country. To see if your country is visa-free to enter Thailand, go here.
• How do I get to Phuket? If you're starting your journey in Phuket before you make your way to nearby islands, Phuket is easily accessible via train, ferry, bus, or airplane if you're already staying in Thailand.
• When is the best time to visit Thailand? Expect lower humidity levels and clearer skies during November to February.
• How do I find ATMs in Thailand? ATMs are widely available across Thailand, particularly in major cities and towns. Phuket is a major tourist spot, so you wouldn't have any problem spotting one scattered on the island.
• Can I drink tap water in Phuket and nearby islands? Unfortunately, no. Tap water in Phuket and other areas of Thailand is unsafe to drink.